In this October 2017 photo, My Brothers Workshop prepares meals for people in the month after hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated the islands. (Source file photo by Kelsey Nowakowski)
Dear Friends, Neighbors, Community Leaders, and Elected Officials,
We cannot continue accepting violence as normal. We cannot continue losing our young people to senseless acts that leave families shattered and communities grieving. Every life lost is a tragedy. Every child taken from us is a future stolen. When we are faced with challenging times, we must not fall into despair; we must fall into community.
As Program Director of My Brother’s Workshop, I have spent years working alongside young people who simply needed someone to believe in them, guide them, and provide opportunities to succeed. For nearly 20 years, My Brother’s Workshop has witnessed the transformative power of mentorship, education, job training, counseling, and meaningful employment opportunities. We have seen young people discover purpose, gain confidence, and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
These successes are not accidental. Research and experience continue to show that youth development programs, mentoring initiatives, workforce training, educational support, and positive community engagement help reduce violence and create safer, stronger communities.
That is why I am calling on all of us, parents, educators, business leaders, faith leaders, community members, philanthropists, and elected officials, to invest in what works.
Support the organizations that are creating opportunities for young people. Volunteer. Donate. Mentor.
Advocate. Invest your time, resources, and influence in the solutions that work. Help expand access to education, job training, mental health support, and positive activities that give our youth hope and direction.
And as we enter another election season, a very important question to answer is: What is your plan to create opportunity for the young people of the Virgin Islands? What investments will you make in proven programs that prevent violence before it starts?
Our young people deserve more than promises. They deserve action.
The answer to violence is not found in outrage alone. It is found in opportunity. It is found in mentorship. It is found in education. It is found in employment. It is found in community.
If we truly want a different future, we must be willing to build it together.
Our young people are worth that investment. Our community is worth that effort. And the time to act is now.
With Hope and Determination, C. Payne
— Chrystie Payne is Program Director for My Brother’s Workshop, Inc.
The University of the Virgin Islands is expanding efforts to connect science with local communities through the STEM Ambassador Program, a partnership with the University of Utah and UVI’s Navigating Home program funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, the university announced in a press release.
The STEM Ambassador Program, known as STEMAP, trains early-career scientists to develop community engagement projects centered on the needs, values and interests of the people they serve. The program promotes what organizers call conscious science communication, encouraging scientists to consider how, why and with whom they communicate scientific information, according to the press release.
According to program organizers, STEMAP moves away from traditional science outreach models by encouraging researchers to build relationships with communities before developing engagement activities. The goal is to help community members develop their own connections to scientific topics rather than simply receiving information from experts.
“Instead of going to a group and just talking at them, it encourages us to understand the group, integrate with them, and encourage independent learning without pushing our own narrative,” said Stephan Bitterwolf, a UVI Navigating Home Workforce Fellow whose STEMAP project focuses on sea urchin restoration in partnership with the Water Island Civic Association. “I’m passionate about restoring our degraded reefs, and this program is teaching me how to lend my expertise so community members can form their own bonds with these topics in ways they are most receptive to.”
Stephan Bitterwolf is a UVI Navigating Home Workforce Fellow mentored by Dr. Paul Jobsis at the Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative. (Photo courtesy UVI)
Five U.S. Virgin Islands fellows are participating in the 2026 STEMAP cohort. Their projects focus on reef ecology, environmental education and marine science curriculum development across St. Thomas and the territory. As part of the four-month program, participants traveled to Puerto Rico on June 4 for in-person training with program facilitators and fellow participants from Puerto Rico, the press release stated.
Among them is Maura Richardson, a recent UVI graduate with a bachelor’s degree in marine biology. Richardson is working with the Virgin Islands Department of Education and science teachers at two St. Thomas public high schools to redesign Marine Biology and Environmental Science curricula with a stronger emphasis on hands-on learning and local environmental issues, the release stated.
“We were challenged to explain scientific concepts without relying on overly technical language,” Richardson said of a training exercise conducted during the Puerto Rico meeting. “It reinforced the importance of building connections between scientists and communities and ensuring that scientific knowledge can be understood and appreciated by everyone.”
Richardson said she views science as a way to connect people and encourage curiosity through locally relevant experiences.
Other fellows are applying the program’s principles in a variety of community settings. UVI Navigating Home Workforce Fellow Alanica Canonier is developing interactive reef science activities for summer camps and youth groups. Jan-Alexis Barry is working with beach resort employees to increase awareness of coral reef conservation among workers who often serve as visitors’ first point of contact. Helen Ratchford is partnering with the VI Children’s Museum to create hands-on science experiences for families, the release stated.
Alanica Canonier is a Navigating Home Workforce Fellow with Reef Response at the University of the Virgin Islands under the mentorship of Marilyn Brandt. (Photo courtesy UVI)
“Many of us call the Caribbean our home, and the reefs we have here are a part of what makes this place our home,” Barry said. “We should take care of them the same way.”
For Bitterwolf, the program’s value lies in helping bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding.
“Our coral reefs are going through devastating changes that are often invisible to those who aren’t regularly engaging with them,” he said. “Science engagement matters because it bridges the gap between research and the community, empowering residents to be active stewards of their shores.”
Invitation for Bid for Supply and Installation of Exterior Wall Mounted Packaged Air Conditioner Units Bidders may pick up a hard copy of the IFB package containing specifications and other requirements relating to this solicitation at viNGN, No 3 King Cross Street, Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands 00820, or at viNGN, 9012 Havensight Mall, Suite 1, St. Thomas, U. S. Virgin Islands 00802, and may also request the solicitation by e‐mail or access the IFB electronically from the viNGN website (Opportunities: IFB/Solicitations) at https://vingn.com/solicitation/. The deadline for submitting questions and clarifying inquiries is June 25, 2026. Bidswillbeaccepteduntil July 14, 2026,at4:00p.m.AST.
We are pleased to announce a pop up exhibition opening event entitled Honor Ori for Caribbean based artist IYANSA, taking place at 81C on St Thomas Friday, June 19, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The artist IYansa. (Submitted photo)
Admission is free.
On View Through July, 2026
ARTIST STATEMENT:
“Being a Caribbean woman means that my work is as varied and fragmented as the story of our region and that of the journey of our ancestors. I am a cross-cultural medium; a bridge between communities with similar pasts and shared goals. The presence of ancient practices and items within contemporary art helps to preserve what some have cast aside in the name of human evolution and technological advancements. It is my aim to preserve and honor the power of the natural elements and to carry on the legacy of ingenuity birthed by indigenous nations.” – IYANSA
ARTIST BIO:
Milenys Viera Pérez, known as IYansa, is a Puerto Rican artist and educator whose work reflects her mysterious persona and love for adventure. Themes of rapid adaptation and embracing the winds of transformation have become driving forces in her path. The scope of her work integrates multiple mediums– brewing a concoction of paintings, drawings, photographs, writings, and sounds, all which she deems sacred manifestations of the Divine. Born on November 1st, 1999, her early years were spent in Canóvanas, PR, where she was first introduced to multiple art forms. A great portion of her influence has come from living in Georgia, USA, where she had the opportunity to begin developing her craft. It was there where she met her first creative mentors and turned her passion into her life’s work.
Artwork by IYansa. (Submitted photo)
After coming of age, she returned to the Caribbean and has since lived in St. Thomas, VI and Barbados, where she expanded her practice by gaining experience as a screen printing artisan and experimenting with natural sustainable materials. Creative Development, a class she has been teaching virtually since 2022, helps children to develop their art skills and knowledge through studies of ancient artifacts. IYansa is currently based in Kingston, Jamaica and is working on her debut musical project. Somewhere between the magic that can be found in reality, and the thin veil between the living and the dead, is where you may find her.
More info here: https://81cvi.com/art-on-view-now
Island Mixx 12U members, from left, Arianna Gumbs, Seava Brin, Annalise Komives, and Jayla Bermudez work the table Wednesday for one of the matches at the 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championships. (Photo by Christine Thompson)
Island Mixx 12U captured their first wins at the 2026 Amateur Athletic Union National Volleyball Championships in Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday. IM 12U lost the first set (25-20) to Winter Park Volleyball Club Central Black in their opening match of the day. However, the team buckled down and came back to take the second and third sets (25-21) and (15-9), respectively, to claim their first win of the tournament.
The taste of victory was sweet to the island girls as they put on a serving display in their second match of the day, defeating On the Hop Volleyball Club, 25-10; 25-18. The girls ran out of steam in the final match as they committed too many unforced errors, yielding the victory to Prolink 12 Deb, (25-17); (25-22).
Island Mixx 12U members huddle for a team prayer before their match Wednesday at the 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championships. (Photo by Shanique Woods Boschulte)
IM 12U is now (2-4) at the midway point of the event. They will play three more matches on Thursday on Court 53 in the North Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). Synergy 12 Blizzard from Allentown, Pennsylvania, will be their first opponent at 3:30 p.m. They will then face A5 12- Jose, based in Roswell, Georgia, at 4:30 p.m. Apex 12-2 from North Charleston, South Carolina, will be their final match at 6:30 p.m. This will be the final stage before the single-elimination seeding tournament begins on Friday.
Island Mixx 13U members celebrate after winning a point Wednesday at 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championships. (Photo by Jevon Samuel)
Island Mixx 13U (IM 13U) played hard all day but didn’t make their way into the win column in their three matches on Wednesday. IM 13U came out of the gates firing but lost their first set to Vipers 13 Elite (27-25). They then proceeded to drop set two (25-12). Their second match, they faced Sideout 13 Elite and walked away with a straight set loss (25-7), (25-14). The sting of defeats didn’t sit well with the girls from St. Thomas as they battled in their final match. After losing the first set (25-14), they rallied to win the second (27-25). IM 13U came up short in the third set (15-13).
IM 13U holds a (1-5) record thus far in the tournament. They will be playing three more matches Thursday on Court 80 in the North Concourse of the OCCC. Their first match will be at 3 p.m. against the Missouri Volleyball Academy UA 13 Black. They traveled from Bridgeton, Missouri. The Miami Bombers Volleyball Academy 13 State, based in Miami, Florida, will be the second opponent at 6 p.m. Their final match of pool play will be Charlotte Flying Fish 13. No, the Flying Fish Volleyball Club is not from Barbados. They hail from Punta Gorda, Florida. That match will start at 7 p.m.
Island Mixx 13U’s Isabella Epps passes the ball during one of her matches Wednesday at 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championships. (Photo by Jevon Samuel)Island Mixx 13U’s Scarlett Green served during one of her matches Wednesday at the 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championships. (Photo by Jevon Samuel)
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. joins residents throughout the territory in recognizing Friday, June 19, as Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States and celebrating the enduring contributions, resilience, and achievements of African Americans.
“Juneteenth” art (Submitted)
In observance of Juneteenth, all Government of the Virgin Islands offices will be closed on Friday, June 19. Normal government operations will resume on the next business day.
“Juneteenth is a moment to reflect on our nation’s history, honor the generations who endured the struggle for freedom, and recognize the progress that has been made while continuing the work toward equality and opportunity for all,” Governor Bryan said. “As Virgin Islanders, we understand the importance of remembering our history and preserving the stories, traditions, and contributions of our African American ancestors who helped shape our communities.”
Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom under the Emancipation Proclamation, more than two years after it had been issued. The day has since become a symbol of freedom, reflection, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.Governor Bryan encourages residents to observe Juneteenth through education, community engagement, cultural activities, and reflection on the values of freedom, dignity, and unity.
“Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is a journey that requires awareness, responsibility, and commitment from every generation,” Bryan said. “I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to celebrate our shared humanity and the strength found in our diversity.”
The Government of the Virgin Islands wishes residents and visitors a meaningful and safe Juneteenth observance.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rodolfo “Rudy” Cipriani Posada on June 14, 2026.
Rodolfo Cipriani Posada
Rudy was born on Sept. 26, 1931, in La Habana, Cuba, to Rodolfo Posada and Isabelle Hernandez. He lived a remarkable 94 years, filled with family, friendship, adventure, and an unwavering enthusiasm for life.
Rudy witnessed and embraced many of the technological milestones that transformed the 20th and 21st centuries. From automobiles and airplanes to television, computers, the internet, and cell phones, he greeted each innovation with curiosity and excitement. Long before air travel became commonplace, Rudy traveled by airplane with his family to Trinidad at the age of eight—a journey that would ultimately shape the course of his life.
It was in Trinidad that he met the love of his life, Lucilia “Lucy” Posada. Together they built a beautiful family and shared a lifelong partnership grounded in love, perseverance, and devotion. They were blessed with six children: Gayle, Francia, Ricky, David, Peggy, and Marylou.
In 1966, Rudy and Lucy moved their family to St. Croix, where they established roots and created a lifetime of cherished memories. In 1973, they built the home where they would spend the next four decades together, welcoming family, friends, and countless celebrations. After Lucy’s passing in 2010, Rudy continued forward with resilience, maintaining his zest for life and his appreciation for the people and experiences that enriched it.
Throughout his life, Rudy pursued a wide variety of careers that reflected both his versatility and determination. He worked at a bauxite plant and an oil refinery, managed a galvalume manufacturing facility, and played a role in producing much of the corrugated roofing material used during the recovery efforts following Hurricane Hugo in 1989. He captained large commercial vessels and, in retirement, even captained the Christiansted ferry to Hotel on the Cay.
Many will also remember Rudy’s later years working for St. Croix Trading, where he became known not only for running errands but also for the friendships he formed along the way. Rudy never met a stranger. His warmth, easy conversation, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.
Rudy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lucy; his daughters, Gayle and Francia; and his infant son, Ricky.
He is survived by his son David and wife Suzy; his daughter Peggy and husband Bill; and his youngest daughter, Marylou. He also leaves behind six grandchildren—JoAnn, Laura, Lynn, Mark, Sarah, and Christian—and five great-grandchildren: Gage, Taylor, Regan, Matthew, and Rowan, all of whom brought him tremendous pride and joy. He is further survived on St. Croix by his sisters-in-law, Lerlyn and Bonnie, and by Lerlyn’s husband, Michael.
Rudy’s legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the friendships he nurtured, and the countless lives he touched through his kindness, humor, and generous spirit. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 25, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Frederiksted. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship at Sand Castle on the Beach in Frederiksted.
The Virgin Islands Department of Health’s Epidemiology Division, this month, received national recognition at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, one of the nation’s premier public health conferences.
Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists Vice President Kathryn Turner (left) presents the Rising Leader Award to Dr. Hannah Cranford, a VI Department of Health epidemiologist and data scientist. (Submitted photo)
Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion congratulated the team on their achievements.
“I am extremely proud of the entire Epidemiology Team for representing the Virgin Islands so well on the national stage,” said Commissioner Encarnacion. “Their work have consistently helped us better understand and respond to public health challenges while ensuring that the people of the Virgin Islands benefit from the latest tools, data, and best practices in public health.”
Among the highlights of the conference was the recognition of Dr. Hannah Cranford, a VI Department of Health’s epidemiologist and data scientist, who received the highly competitive CSTE Rising Leader Award. Each year, the award is bestowed upon only one emerging public health professional who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and has impacted the field of epidemiology.
The recipient is chosen from a large pool of candidates from across the US and its territories. The Rising Leader Award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves through service, scientific excellence, and contributions to public health practice.
Commissioner Encarnacion congratulated Dr. Cranford on a “well-deserved award that is a testament to her expertise and commitment to advancing public health in the Virgin Islands.”
Dr. Esther Ellis, the department’s Territorial Epidemiologist, added that, “This award reflects Dr. Cranford’s dedication to protecting and improving the health of Virgin Islanders through data-driven public health action. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishment and the outstanding work being done by our entire Epidemiology Division, the entire division came together to nominate her for his award.”
Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach and V.I. Police Department leadership updated the public Wednesday morning after a spike in gun violence and homicides. (Screenshot from Government House livestream)
An alarming spate of gun violence throughout the territory prompted a press briefing Wednesday during which the V.I. Police Department’s leadership and Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach urged Virgin Islanders to come forward with any information.
Ten days ago, 31-year-old Wahili James and Samuel Rivera, 34, were shot and killed at the Luna Bar on St. Croix, and two others were injured. On Wednesday, St. Croix Deputy Chief of Police Naomi Joseph said that the killing of 20-year-old Amani Daley, whose body was found in the bush Tuesday evening near Profit Hills, is “connected” to the two earlier homicides. On June 12, 15-year-old Tre’Vante Etienne was shot and killed in the afternoon at the basketball court in Savan on St. Thomas.
During a Government House press briefing Monday, Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach referenced two other recent shootings.
On Sunday, a 16-year-old was shot multiple times while riding his motorbike near the Omar Brown Fire Station on St. Thomas, and another person was shot in the arm at the Walter I. M. Hodge housing community on St. Croix. Both were taken to the hospital for treatment. On Tuesday afternoon, 23-year-old Asani Henry was shot and killed in the Hospital Ground area of St. Thomas. Later that day, 55-year-old Fitzroy Wattley was found dead from gunshot wounds in the Sanchez Town part of Estate Bovoni.
Separately, police responded on Monday to reports of gunshots in the Whim area of St. Croix. Rusiel Encarnacion, 45, had been shot multiple times and died after being taken to Luis Hospital. During Wednesday’s press briefing, Joseph noted that several of the people killed were “known to law enforcement” or had recently gotten out of prison.
“But I want the community to know that despite the fact that they had criminal backgrounds, we still investigating their homicides,” she said. “And we still want to bring closure to the family members who love them. Because ‘good child,’ ‘bad child’ — trust me, somebody loves him, and we just want to let the community know: it doesn’t matter who you are, it doesn’t matter what your background is. We still take the case as serious as if you are five years old — doing nothing to no one — and was killed violently. So we’re asking you: if you know something, say something.”
Law enforcement and government officials have beseeched Virgin Islanders to come forward if they have information about any of the recent killings. When asked about the territory’s witness protection program Wednesday, Roach said that the briefing was “not an opportunity to discourage people” from coming forward with information.
“The police cannot be everywhere, and if … the people who have information are not going to share — to assist — the police in making arrests and in investigating these crimes, then we’re going to be living in an environment that does not generate and produce the results that we want to see, in terms of justice being delivered and suspects being apprehended and charged,” he said.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. testifies before the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee during the annual State of the Territories hearing in Washington on Wednesday, where he outlined federal priorities for the U.S. Virgin Islands, including health care funding, economic development and infrastructure investment. (Photo courtesy Government House)
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. used his final appearance before the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday to urge Congress to remove barriers he said limit the U.S. Virgin Islands’ ability to strengthen health care, attract investment, rebuild infrastructure and expand economic opportunities, a Government House press release announced.
Testifying during the committee’s annual State of the Territories hearing, Bryan joined leaders from the nation’s five territories in outlining priorities requiring congressional action. In his eighth appearance before the committee as governor, Bryan called for changes to federal health care funding, tax policy, labor programs and economic development initiatives, according to the press release.
Among the proposals, Bryan urged Congress to eliminate the federal Medicaid funding cap, modernize hospital reimbursement rates, extend Supplemental Security Income benefits to eligible Virgin Islanders, fund U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations through regular federal appropriations, and support a responsible restart of the St. Croix refinery, the press release stated.
He also called for changes to federal tax policies that he said discourage investment, protection for local businesses facing foreign economic actions, and expanded access to the H-2B visa program to help fill skilled labor shortages tied to federally funded recovery projects, the release stated.
“The people of the Virgin Islands are not asking for special treatment,” Bryan said. “We are asking Congress to remove these barriers to guarantee that we have the same opportunities, the same tools, and the same chance to succeed that every American community on the mainland enjoys.”
According to the Government House press release, Bryan reflected on the challenges the territory faced during his administration, including the recovery from the 2017 hurricanes, the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary shutdown of the tourism industry. He told senators the territory had rebuilt and emerged stronger.
“As I prepare to conclude my service as Governor, I do so with great pride,” Bryan said. “I have watched Virgin Islanders rebuild with the resilience, determination, and patriotism that have always defined our community.”
Bryan argued that federal policies should recognize both the needs and strategic value of the territory. He said American citizens living in the Virgin Islands should have access to the same protections and benefits available in the states, including SSI benefits for elderly and disabled residents, the release stated.
“Their citizenship has not changed. Their circumstances have not changed. Only their address,” Bryan said.
The governor also renewed his call for support of a refinery restart on St. Croix, saying the facility could help strengthen domestic energy security while creating jobs and restoring industrial capacity. He urged lawmakers to revise federal tax rules affecting the territory’s ability to attract investment, the release stated.
“The Virgin Islands is not a foreign country,” Bryan said.
Bryan cited the permanent extension of the rum cover-over rate as an example of what federal-territorial cooperation can accomplish. According to the release, he said the measure provided long-term certainty for a key Virgin Islands industry while supporting infrastructure investments, pension stability and debt reduction, the release stated.
“When the Virgin Islands is given the same tools available to other American communities, we put them to work,” Bryan said.
Closing his testimony, Bryan urged Congress to continue supporting the territory’s development and provide future generations with opportunities to contribute fully to the nation, the release stated.
“All we ask is the opportunity to contribute on equal footing with every other American community,” he said.
An Open Letter to the Virgin Islands Community: Violence Cannot be our Normal